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This SIG discusses the issues and concerns of correctional educators working in short-term detention facilities.
Dunn County Jail Responds to Problems Posed to Community
Posted by:
Jerry Bednarowski
()
Date: November 08, 2011 08:16PM
The Dunn County (Wisconsin) Sheriff's Department sees itself as integrally involved in understanding and responding to problems posed to the community by alcohol and other drug abuse. Programming is offered to both male and female inmates in the jail in an effort to effect positive change in their lives while creating a safe and secure jail environment. Below is a list of all of the programs that are being offered at the Dunn County Jail.
Alcoholics Anonymous – AA meetings are held every other Wednesday evening for males and once monthly for females. Alcoholics Anonymous groups are provided by community volunteers.
Alcoholic Assessments and Evaluations – AODA evaluations and assessments are provided at the jail by Arbor Place. The assessments and evaluations are done at the expense of the inmate. Orders must come from probation and parole or from the courts and payments must be made to Arbor Place in advance.
Alcohol and Other Drug Education – AODA awareness/education classes are provided for the high number of inmates with identified AODA concerns. Education and counseling aids the inmate in becoming a more productive member in the community and also reduces future alcohol or drug related offenses. The program provides structured education in AODA, promotes positive recovery skills, develops relapse prevention plans, and increases understanding of the self-defeating nature of AODA, both personally and legally. AODA awareness/education classes are offered every other month and are contracted through Aurora Community Counseling.
Anger Management – Anger Management an educational and support group designed to teach participants how anger is learned, the negative effects of anger, and specific ways to control anger. The Anger Management group is offered every other month and is a contracted through Aurora Community Counseling.
Breaking Barriers – This cognitive reality model training series is designed is very effective at creating awareness in the participant that change is possible. It provides the tools to develop cognitive thinking skills so change can take place. This program is held every other month. Instruction is provided by the Dunn County Jail Program Director.
Parents Sharing Books Program
The Parents Sharing Books Program is offered in December and June to those inmates who will be incarcerated over the holidays or summer and have children under the age of 10. The goal for the class is to help the offenders continue their bond with their children while incarcerated. Inmates read a book on to CD and the book and CD are sent to the child before the holiday. The Parents Sharing Books Program is provided and funded by Literacy Volunteers – Chippewa Valley.
Computer Lab – There are four laptop computers available for use by the inmates for accessing Law Library materials, searching for employment, applying for admission to college, applying for financial aid, working on cover letters or resumes, and keyboard practice. The Computer Lab is directly supervised by the Program Director.
Creative Writing – Creative Writing is a four week program meeting one hour a week and held bi-monthly. The format employed is to identify a topic and read it aloud. The facilitator then models a writing on that topic and reads it aloud. The class is instructed to write their own thoughts on the topic for ten minutes. They are allowed to read their writings aloud (optional). The facilitator picks those writings that she feels to be outstanding and sends them to The Sun magazine for publication with the permission of the author. Creative Writing contracted through Literacy Volunteers – Chippewa Valley.
Crisis Counseling and Mental Health Counseling – Mental Health counseling is provided by Aurora Community Counseling. They provide crisis assessments and suicide risk screenings, along with one or two follow up counseling sessions for incarcerated persons. This service is conducted through referrals provided by jail staff.
Education – Education classes are contracted through Literacy Volunteers - Chippewa Valley and are held on Monday and Wednesday. Inmates over 21 years old can participate. The goal is to increase the specific literacy skills of each participant. They may need to improve their math or vocabulary or computer skills. Ultimately, the goal is to prepare them for GED testing. To participate, the inmate is required to be in jail for a minimum of one month.
Exercise Program – The Exercise Program focuses on giving the inmates the opportunity to do a variety of exercises to allow them to physically exert themselves in a positive manner. It is held twice weekly for an hour. Offenders can walk, jump rope or participate in a DVD group which can be Yoga, Tae-Bo, or Cardio Fitness. The Exercise Program is provided by the Jail Program Director.
GED/HSED Testing – Testing is held at the jail during the school year, usually once or twice per month. Inmates must be enrolled in the Education or HSED class in order to take the tests. The county pays $12.00 for each test.
HSED – High School Equivalency Diploma class is held Monday through Friday for three hours every school day. The goal is for the participant to prepare for HSED testing. Inmates under 21 years old can participate. HSED classes are funded by the Menomonie School District.
Jail Garden – The Jail Garden is maintained by Huber inmates with work search privileges who have not yet attained employment and by those inmates that are working and want to volunteer on their day off from work. The Huber inmates are monitored by volunteers at all times. The proceeds from the garden are donated to the Food Pantry. The Jail Garden is overseen by the Jail Program Director and community volunteers.
Library Services – Inmates have access to library services every Thursday morning. The Dunn County Jail Library is supplied by inmate and community donations of books.
New Creations – New Creations is a biblically-based addictions program. This 14-week bible study focuses on the basic principles of salvation and growth in God's word. Participants study the Bible to find answers to overcome their addictions. New Creations is provided by volunteers from the Jesus Fellowship church.
Parenting From the Heart – (Coming soon) Parenting From the Heart is a resiliency based parenting style provided by Menomonie High School teacher volunteers and a grant funded program for the Dunn County Area.
Reformers Unanimous – Reformers Unanimous a weekly addictions program offered for males in jail. The focus is on a plan of salvation that is accomplished through stories of victory, motivational awards, and well-trained leadership staff. Reformers Unanimous offers a comprehensive discipleship curriculum and is provided by volunteers from the Baptist Church.
Spiritual Transitions – Spiritual Transitions is a ten-week course designed to help the incarcerated individual meet the challenges of living a Christian life upon release from the correctional facility. The goal is to teach a life of spiritual application in practical living situations. Spiritual Transitions is provided by volunteers from the Jesus Fellowship church.
Sunday Church – Jesus Fellowship and Gideons non denominational services are available to male and female offenders. The Sunday church services are provided by church volunteers from the community.
Vocational Literacy – The Vocational Literacy course provides vocational training, education, and job- seeking skills such as skills to develop resumes, improve interview skills, understand employer expectations and maximize opportunities for employment. Students are asked to complete applications, develop resumes, cover letters and thank you letters. The Vocational Literacy instruction is contracted through Literacy Volunteers – Chippewa Valley.
Other Services Offered at the Dunn County Jail –
•Electronic Monitoring
•HUBER Work Release
•Diversion Court Participation
•Workshops - AIDS Awareness, Sexual Assault Awareness, Domestic Violence Awareness
•Inmate Worker Program
•Education Opportunity Center
If you are interested in volunteering your services please contact the following coordinators:
•Literacy Services – Laura Reisinger, LVCV Education Coordinator, lreisinger@lvcv.org
•All other services – Sherry Hanson, Jail Program Director, shanson@co.dunn.wi.us
Alcoholics Anonymous – AA meetings are held every other Wednesday evening for males and once monthly for females. Alcoholics Anonymous groups are provided by community volunteers.
Alcoholic Assessments and Evaluations – AODA evaluations and assessments are provided at the jail by Arbor Place. The assessments and evaluations are done at the expense of the inmate. Orders must come from probation and parole or from the courts and payments must be made to Arbor Place in advance.
Alcohol and Other Drug Education – AODA awareness/education classes are provided for the high number of inmates with identified AODA concerns. Education and counseling aids the inmate in becoming a more productive member in the community and also reduces future alcohol or drug related offenses. The program provides structured education in AODA, promotes positive recovery skills, develops relapse prevention plans, and increases understanding of the self-defeating nature of AODA, both personally and legally. AODA awareness/education classes are offered every other month and are contracted through Aurora Community Counseling.
Anger Management – Anger Management an educational and support group designed to teach participants how anger is learned, the negative effects of anger, and specific ways to control anger. The Anger Management group is offered every other month and is a contracted through Aurora Community Counseling.
Breaking Barriers – This cognitive reality model training series is designed is very effective at creating awareness in the participant that change is possible. It provides the tools to develop cognitive thinking skills so change can take place. This program is held every other month. Instruction is provided by the Dunn County Jail Program Director.
Parents Sharing Books Program
The Parents Sharing Books Program is offered in December and June to those inmates who will be incarcerated over the holidays or summer and have children under the age of 10. The goal for the class is to help the offenders continue their bond with their children while incarcerated. Inmates read a book on to CD and the book and CD are sent to the child before the holiday. The Parents Sharing Books Program is provided and funded by Literacy Volunteers – Chippewa Valley.
Computer Lab – There are four laptop computers available for use by the inmates for accessing Law Library materials, searching for employment, applying for admission to college, applying for financial aid, working on cover letters or resumes, and keyboard practice. The Computer Lab is directly supervised by the Program Director.
Creative Writing – Creative Writing is a four week program meeting one hour a week and held bi-monthly. The format employed is to identify a topic and read it aloud. The facilitator then models a writing on that topic and reads it aloud. The class is instructed to write their own thoughts on the topic for ten minutes. They are allowed to read their writings aloud (optional). The facilitator picks those writings that she feels to be outstanding and sends them to The Sun magazine for publication with the permission of the author. Creative Writing contracted through Literacy Volunteers – Chippewa Valley.
Crisis Counseling and Mental Health Counseling – Mental Health counseling is provided by Aurora Community Counseling. They provide crisis assessments and suicide risk screenings, along with one or two follow up counseling sessions for incarcerated persons. This service is conducted through referrals provided by jail staff.
Education – Education classes are contracted through Literacy Volunteers - Chippewa Valley and are held on Monday and Wednesday. Inmates over 21 years old can participate. The goal is to increase the specific literacy skills of each participant. They may need to improve their math or vocabulary or computer skills. Ultimately, the goal is to prepare them for GED testing. To participate, the inmate is required to be in jail for a minimum of one month.
Exercise Program – The Exercise Program focuses on giving the inmates the opportunity to do a variety of exercises to allow them to physically exert themselves in a positive manner. It is held twice weekly for an hour. Offenders can walk, jump rope or participate in a DVD group which can be Yoga, Tae-Bo, or Cardio Fitness. The Exercise Program is provided by the Jail Program Director.
GED/HSED Testing – Testing is held at the jail during the school year, usually once or twice per month. Inmates must be enrolled in the Education or HSED class in order to take the tests. The county pays $12.00 for each test.
HSED – High School Equivalency Diploma class is held Monday through Friday for three hours every school day. The goal is for the participant to prepare for HSED testing. Inmates under 21 years old can participate. HSED classes are funded by the Menomonie School District.
Jail Garden – The Jail Garden is maintained by Huber inmates with work search privileges who have not yet attained employment and by those inmates that are working and want to volunteer on their day off from work. The Huber inmates are monitored by volunteers at all times. The proceeds from the garden are donated to the Food Pantry. The Jail Garden is overseen by the Jail Program Director and community volunteers.
Library Services – Inmates have access to library services every Thursday morning. The Dunn County Jail Library is supplied by inmate and community donations of books.
New Creations – New Creations is a biblically-based addictions program. This 14-week bible study focuses on the basic principles of salvation and growth in God's word. Participants study the Bible to find answers to overcome their addictions. New Creations is provided by volunteers from the Jesus Fellowship church.
Parenting From the Heart – (Coming soon) Parenting From the Heart is a resiliency based parenting style provided by Menomonie High School teacher volunteers and a grant funded program for the Dunn County Area.
Reformers Unanimous – Reformers Unanimous a weekly addictions program offered for males in jail. The focus is on a plan of salvation that is accomplished through stories of victory, motivational awards, and well-trained leadership staff. Reformers Unanimous offers a comprehensive discipleship curriculum and is provided by volunteers from the Baptist Church.
Spiritual Transitions – Spiritual Transitions is a ten-week course designed to help the incarcerated individual meet the challenges of living a Christian life upon release from the correctional facility. The goal is to teach a life of spiritual application in practical living situations. Spiritual Transitions is provided by volunteers from the Jesus Fellowship church.
Sunday Church – Jesus Fellowship and Gideons non denominational services are available to male and female offenders. The Sunday church services are provided by church volunteers from the community.
Vocational Literacy – The Vocational Literacy course provides vocational training, education, and job- seeking skills such as skills to develop resumes, improve interview skills, understand employer expectations and maximize opportunities for employment. Students are asked to complete applications, develop resumes, cover letters and thank you letters. The Vocational Literacy instruction is contracted through Literacy Volunteers – Chippewa Valley.
Other Services Offered at the Dunn County Jail –
•Electronic Monitoring
•HUBER Work Release
•Diversion Court Participation
•Workshops - AIDS Awareness, Sexual Assault Awareness, Domestic Violence Awareness
•Inmate Worker Program
•Education Opportunity Center
If you are interested in volunteering your services please contact the following coordinators:
•Literacy Services – Laura Reisinger, LVCV Education Coordinator, lreisinger@lvcv.org
•All other services – Sherry Hanson, Jail Program Director, shanson@co.dunn.wi.us
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